Best Humbucker Pickups Under $500 2025

Affordable humbucker pickups under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Metal For Jazz For Blues For Hard Rock For Heavy Genres

BRANDS: Seymour Duncan DiMarzio EMG Bare Knuckle Gibson Mojotone Fishman Suhr Tesla Lollar Fender TV Jones PRS

Seymour Duncan MH Scarlet & Scourge Set C 7 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan MH Scarlet & Scourge Set C 7

by Seymour Duncan

Blues Hard Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Great sustain characteristics

✓ PROS

• Cancels electrical interference
• Versatile for many genres

✗ CONS

• Different mounting requirements
• May lack brightness of single-coils

Seymour Duncan MH Scarlet & Scourge Set C 7Active Pickup Set for 7-String Electric Guitar2 HumbuckersMark Holcomb...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 575677

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0 HU Pickup Set NI - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0 HU Pickup Set NI

by Seymour Duncan

Jazz Heavy Genres Blues

Key Feature:

• Versatile for many genres

✓ PROS

• Thick, powerful tone
• Versatile for many genres

✗ CONS

• Different mounting requirements
• May lack brightness of single-coils

Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0 HU Pickup Set NIPickup Set for Electric GuitarSlash Signature SetSame tonality and clarity as...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 567570

$413

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Set Nickel - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Set Nickel

by Seymour Duncan

Rock Blues Heavy Genres

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, powerful tone
• High output for distortion

✗ CONS

• Less vintage character
• Different mounting requirements

Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Set NickelHumbucker SetSH-55N 2C at the neck and SH-55B 2C at the bridgeMedium outputAlnico...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 376981

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set WH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set WH

by Seymour Duncan

Hard Rock Metal Rock

Key Feature:

• Great sustain characteristics

✓ PROS

• Thick, powerful tone
• Versatile for many genres

✗ CONS

• May overpower small amps
• Less vintage character

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set WHPickup Set for Electric GuitarBilly Gibbons (ZZ Top) Signature Model2 HumbuckerFor...

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 602334

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set BLK

by Seymour Duncan

Blues Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• High output for distortion

✓ PROS

• Versatile for many genres
• High output for distortion

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness of single-coils
• Can be too thick for some styles

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set BLKSet of Pickups for Electric GuitarBilly Gibbons (ZZ Top) Signature Model2...

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 602325

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan AHB-3s 7 amt MT Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan AHB-3s 7 amt MT Set

by Seymour Duncan

Blues Jazz Rock

Key Feature:

• Great sustain characteristics

✓ PROS

• Versatile for many genres
• High output for distortion

✗ CONS

• Can be too thick for some styles
• May lack brightness of single-coils

Seymour Duncan AHB-3s 7 amt MT SetPickup Set for 7-String Electric Guitar2 Active humbuckers for neck and bridge...

⭐ 5.0/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 553995

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded Humbucker Set 7 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded Humbucker Set 7

by Seymour Duncan

Jazz Rock Heavy Genres

Key Feature:

• Versatile for many genres

✓ PROS

• Cancels electrical interference
• High output for distortion

✗ CONS

• May overpower small amps
• Can be too thick for some styles

Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded Humbucker Set 7Pickup Set for 7-String Electric Guitar2 HumbuckerFor bridge and neck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 604595

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Bare Knuckle The Mule Set Cov BRN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Bare Knuckle The Mule Set Cov BRN

by Bare Knuckle

Metal Jazz Heavy Genres

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful tone

✓ PROS

• Great sustain characteristics
• Versatile for many genres

✗ CONS

• Different mounting requirements
• Less vintage character

Bare Knuckle The Mule Set Cov BRNSet of Pickups for Electric GuitarTwo hand-wound humbuckersFor bridge and neck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 616361

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis Noumenon 6 Set BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis Noumenon 6 Set BK

by Seymour Duncan

Jazz Blues Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile for many genres

✓ PROS

• Cancels electrical interference
• High output for distortion

✗ CONS

• Less vintage character
• May lack brightness of single-coils

Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis Noumenon 6 Set BKPickup Set for Electric GuitarJeff Loomis Signature Model2 HumbuckerFor...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599871

$413

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set ZB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set ZB

by Seymour Duncan

Hard Rock Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Great sustain characteristics

✓ PROS

• Versatile for many genres
• Cancels electrical interference

✗ CONS

• Can be too thick for some styles
• Different mounting requirements

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set ZBPickup Set for Electric GuitarBilly Gibbons (ZZ Top) Signature Model2 HumbuckerFor...

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 602337

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Bare Knuckle The Juggernaut Set Open BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.4/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Bare Knuckle The Juggernaut Set Open BK

by Bare Knuckle

Hard Rock Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Cancels electrical interference

✓ PROS

• Cancels electrical interference
• Great sustain characteristics

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness of single-coils
• May overpower small amps

Bare Knuckle The Juggernaut Set Open BKPickup Set for Electric Guitar2 HumbuckersPositions: Neck and bridgeFor...

⭐ 4.4/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 458774

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Jazzmaster Silencer Pickup Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Seymour Duncan Jazzmaster Silencer Pickup Set

by Seymour Duncan

Metal Hard Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Cancels electrical interference

✓ PROS

• Great sustain characteristics
• Cancels electrical interference

✗ CONS

• Less vintage character
• May lack brightness of single-coils

Seymour Duncan Jazzmaster Silencer Pickup SetSet of PickupsTwo humbuckersFor bridge and neck positionInnovative...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 617642

$413

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Nazgul 7 Humbucker Set Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Seymour Duncan Nazgul 7 Humbucker Set Black

by Seymour Duncan

Metal Heavy Genres Jazz

Key Feature:

• Versatile for many genres

✓ PROS

• Thick, powerful tone
• High output for distortion

✗ CONS

• May overpower small amps
• Different mounting requirements

Seymour Duncan Nazgul 7 Humbucker Set BlackPickup Set for 7-String Electric GuitarBridge position: Nazgul HumbuckerNeck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 602349

$413

Buy at Thomann View Details

Bare Knuckle Stormy Monday Set Open BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Bare Knuckle Stormy Monday Set Open BK

by Bare Knuckle

Rock Blues Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Cancels electrical interference

✓ PROS

• Versatile for many genres
• High output for distortion

✗ CONS

• Can be too thick for some styles
• May overpower small amps

Bare Knuckle Stormy Monday Set Open BKPickup for Electric Guitar2 HumbuckerFor neck and bridge positionWarmbright...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 458758

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Mark Holcomb Alpha&Omega 6 Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Seymour Duncan Mark Holcomb Alpha&Omega 6 Set

by Seymour Duncan

Jazz Hard Rock Heavy Genres

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful tone

✓ PROS

• Cancels electrical interference
• Versatile for many genres

✗ CONS

• Can be too thick for some styles
• May overpower small amps

Seymour Duncan Mark Holcomb Alpha&Omega 6 SetHumbucker SetMark Holcomb (Periphery) Signature Set of Alpha &...

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 411719

$402

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Humbucker Pickups

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced humbucker pickups typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best Humbucker Pickups Under $500 2025

Seymour Duncan MH Scarlet & Scourge Set C 7

Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0 HU Pickup Set NI

Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Set Nickel

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set WH

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set BLK

Seymour Duncan AHB-3s 7 amt MT Set

Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded Humbucker Set 7

Bare Knuckle The Mule Set Cov BRN

Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis Noumenon 6 Set BK

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Set ZB

Bare Knuckle The Juggernaut Set Open BK

Seymour Duncan Jazzmaster Silencer Pickup Set

Seymour Duncan Nazgul 7 Humbucker Set Black

Bare Knuckle Stormy Monday Set Open BK

Seymour Duncan Mark Holcomb Alpha&Omega 6 Set

How to Choose the Best Humbucker Pickups

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying humbucker pickups?

How much should I spend on humbucker pickups?

Are expensive humbucker pickups worth the investment?

What are the best brands for humbucker pickups?

Should I buy humbucker pickups online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Best 4-String Basses

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